CAMBRIDGE — During the week prior to May 25, the Cambridge Police Department was made aware of an unsanctioned/unauthorized event that was named “Freaknik” by its creators that was being promoted via social media that was to occur May 25 in the Greenwood Avenue area, starting around 4 p.m.

Due to the preponderance of possible violence that could be associated with this event because of the large number of individuals attending, the Cambridge Police Department assigned multiple officers to the Greenwood Avenue area starting around 3 p.m. The extra manpower was deployed to the area to show a police presence to reduce the possibility of any violence and to dismantle any illegal activities that may occur, a statement from the CPD said.

During the course of the night a large influx of citizens, estimated around 400 or more, immobilized in the area to include the 500 and 600 blocks of Greenwood Avenue and 1000 block of Cosby Avenue. Due to the extremely large crowd of citizens who had gathered, CPD had to call in additional off-duty officers and law enforcement from allied agencies to include the Maryland State Police and Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office to assist.

Large crowds were acting in a disorderly manner, with groups of subjects fighting and causing mass disturbances to the residents of the community.

The crowds had converged in residential complexes that are posted with “No Trespassing” and “No Loitering.” Multiple vehicles also parked in zones that are clearly marked “No Parking” by the city of Cambridge.

Officers who had been deployed to the area utilized speaker systems from patrol vehicles giving multiple lawful orders for subjects to cease their actions and to leave the areas, the statement said. These orders were also given verbally by multiple officers on scene.

While officers were attempting to have crowds disperse from areas, many subjects were defiant, belligerent and hostile toward law enforcement, the statement said. On several occasions bottles were thrown at officers and their patrol vehicles.

One MSP patrol vehicle was struck with a glass bottle causing damage to the vehicle. Multiple officers had to utilize uses of force that included the deployment of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC Spray) and deployment of departmental issued Tasers to affect arrest and to keep hostile crowds back from officers who were making arrests.

During the event, several officers were assaulted by individuals and multiple arrests were made. Multiple parking citations were issued, and vehicles were towed from the area. The Cambridge Police Department made the following arrests during the event:

• 17-Year-Old from Cambridge (charged via Juvenile Referral)

Disorderly Conduct

Failure to Obey a Reasonable and Lawful Order

Trespass Posted Property

• Princess La’Niya Justine Demby (20 years old from Cambridge)

Failure to Obey Lawful Order

Disorderly Conduct

Resist Arrest

Released by Commissioner on Personal Recognizance

• Velouse Richele’ne Georges (20 years old from Salisbury)

Assault 2nd Degree

Trespass Posted Property

Resist Arrest

Obstruct and Hindering

Released by Commissioner on Personal Recognizance

• Shaqueelah Shante Smith (32 years old from Cambridge)

Disorderly Conduct

Released on Criminal Citation

• Camren Dajour Lake (22 years old from Cambridge)

Trespass Posted Property

Disorderly Conduct

Failure to Obey Lawful Order

Released on Criminal Citations

Ronald George Ricketts III (24 years old from Cambridge)

Disorderly Conduct

Released on Criminal Citation

• Ja’nya Amara Sherwood (19 years old from Salisbury)

Disorderly Conduct

Dangerous Weapon Intent to Injure

Released by Commissioner Personal Recognizance

• Tei’Sha Na’Sha Simms (22 years old from Cambridge)

Failure to Obey a Lawful Order

Released on Criminal Citation

This is an ongoing investigation, in which additional arrests and charges may be pending.

“The Cambridge Police Department does not condone these types of unsanctioned/unauthorized events as they create a dangerous climate and poor quality of life for the residents of the communities,” the statement said. “Any additional events of this magnitude that occur will be handled with a large law enforcement presence in order to keep a good and safe quality of life for the citizens of Cambridge. Subjects found violating Criminal Laws will be arrested and charged accordingly.”

The Cambridge Police Department thanked the Maryland State Police and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this event.